Mersey Reporter - #Merseybites #News

AS the disorder spreads, up the road in Liverpool today, we are told that a number of Police Officers have been injured.

We are told that Police Officers have struggled to separate 2 opposing sides, anti-immigration groups and the anti-fascist groups. This has resulted we are told in a number of Police Officers being injured.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper says disorder has:- "no place on Britain's streets" and has again warned those responsible will:- "pay the price."

As a result of the unrest a Section 34 Dispersal Order has been introduced within the Liverpool City Centre as part of a continued response to help combat potential crime and anti social behaviour in the area.

Merseyside Police have said that the order that was put in place at:- 2.55 pm today (Saturday, 3 August 2024) will run until:- 2.55 pm, on:- Sunday, 4 August 2024.

Merseyside Police have said that:- "The order comes under Section 34 of the Anti Social Behaviour & Policing Act 2014, which gives Police Officers and Police Community Support Traffic Officers powers to direct people who are engaging in antisocial behaviour, or are likely to become involved in such incidents. These powers will not be used for anyone visiting the area and going about their daily business. Under the legislation, Officers have the power to seize any item used in the commission of anti social behaviour. Should a person who has previously been directed to leave the area return, an offence would be committed, for which they may ultimately be arrested. Community Engagement Chief Inspector Andy Fielding, said:- "We have introduced this order in response to potential disorder in the city centre, following similar incidents which have taken place in Merseyside and other parts of the country this week. We have increased patrols in the area to deal with any issues, and this dispersal zone gives officers extra powers to approach people they suspect may be there to commit anti social behaviour or other crimes. This order is to ensure residents and businesses are not subjected to any such behaviour, and I would ask people to continue reporting any concerns, and we will take action. If you witness any anti social behaviour or criminal behaviour, or have any information about such incidents, please contact or speak to our officers and we will take action."

Always call:- 999 if a crime is in progress. You can pass any information on anti social behaviour by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800555111.